No word from SA

There is still no word from the South African government on the rising number of reports of alleged human rights violations in Zimbabwe.

It is understood the matter is being discussed by the department of international relations and cooperation. Department spokesperson Lunga Ngqengelele said yesterday consultations were still underway.

This comes amid growing reports of alleged human rights violations in the country, prompting the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter social movement to bring the issue to the forefront.

Several Zimbabwean journalists and activists have been arrested, allegedly abducted or beaten in recent weeks after they spoke out against alleged corruption, or were critical of the Zanu-PF-led government.

Among those targeted was prominent Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, 49, who is still in police custody after his arrest on 20 July.

He is accused of inciting Zimbabweans to join an antigovernment protest during the coronavirus outbreak.

The African Editors’ Forum and the Southern African Editors’ Forum called for the release of Chin’ono and reminded the Zimbabwean government that journalism was not a crime.

Renowned Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga, 61, arrested during antigovernment protests, was released on bail on Saturday.

She was charged with incitement to commit violence and breaching anti-coronavirus regulations after staging a two-women demonstration in Harare.